The timing of recurrence after endoscopic papillectomy

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) offers a safe and effective method for resection of ampullary adenomas. Data regarding the long-term resolution of adenoma following EP are limited. The aim of this study therefore was to examine the timing of recurrence after EP of ampullary adenomas.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study including patients who received EP for ampullary adenomas from 8/2000 to 1/2018. Patients with confirmed complete eradication of adenoma were included in the recurrence analysis with recurrence defined as finding adenomatous histology after 1 negative surveillance endoscopy. Kaplan-Meier estimates were calculated to determine recurrence rates.

RESULTS

Of the 165 patients who underwent EP, 136 patients (mean age 61.9, 51.5% female) had adenomatous histology with a mean lesion size of 21.2 mm. A total of 124 (91.2%) achieved complete eradication with a follow-up of 345.8 person-years. Recurrence occurred in 20 (16.1%) patients at a mean of 3.2 (± 3) years (range 0.5-9.75 years) for a recurrence rate of 5.8 (95% CI 3.6-8.8) per 100 person-years. Nine (45%) recurrences occurred after the 1st 2 years of surveillance. Recurrence rate did not differ by baseline pathology [low-grade dysplasia: 5.2 (95% CI 3.0-9.0), high-grade dysplasia: 6.9 (95% CI 2.3-15.5), adenocarcinoma: 7.7 (95% CI 0.9-25.1)].

CONCLUSION

Recurrence remains a significant concern after EP. Given the timing of recurrence, long surveillance periods may be necessary. Larger multicenter studies are needed, however, to determine appropriate surveillance intervals.

Oral anticoagulants but not antiplatelet agents increase the risk of delayed bleeding after endoscopic papillectomy: a large study in a tertiary referral center

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is an effective curative treatment in patients with ampullary adenomas. However, EP is burdened by a not-negligible risk of bleeding. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors for delayed bleeding after EP.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively-collected database was performed, retrieving all EP performed over a 20-year period. Anti-thrombotic treatments were managed according to guidelines. Delayed bleeding was defined as overt gastrointestinal bleeding or drop in haemoglobin level. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify variables related to delayed bleeding.

RESULTS

Three-hundred-seven patients (48.5% male, median age 68-year-old) entered the study; of them, 51 (16.6%) received anti-thrombotic treatments. Delayed bleeding occurred in 44 (14.3%) patients. No difference was observed in patients receiving antiplatelet agents. Multivariate analysis identified oral anticoagulant agents (odd Ratio 4.37 [2.86-5.95]) and procedural bleeding (OR 2.22 [1.10-4.40]) as independently related to delayed bleeding; in patients with no procedural bleeding, oral anticoagulant agents (OR 5.63 [2.25-9.83]) and ampullary tumor size (OR 1.07 [1.01-1.13]) were independently related to delayed bleeding. Patients on anticoagulant agents presented significantly higher need for blood transfusion (16.7 vs. 1.5%); no difference in intensive care unit admission, surgery or mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that patients on oral antiplatelet agents do not present increased risk for post-EP delayed bleeding. EP represents a valid alternative to surgery even in patients on anticoagulant agents, despite significantly increased risk of delayed bleeding. A tailored approach to those cases should be planned.

Transduodenal surgical ampullectomy for intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasm (IAPN): A case report

Introduction and importance

Intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasms (IAPNs) are relatively rare kind of neoplasms occurring in the region of the papilla which exhibit significant malignant transformation. The patient was concerned about his pain and the possibility of malignancy.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 47-year-old male who presented with persistent upper abdomen pain. Following detail investigations, he was diagnosed as IAPN and managed by transduonal ampullectomy (TDA).

Clinical discussion

The insidious onset of IAPN along with its high risk of malignancy makes it mandatory for its proper treatment. Although, endoscopic approach is advantageous for initial therapy, it has some technical difficulties. Hence TDA forms the cornerstone in the management of IAPN with good prognosis.

Conclusion

Transduodenal ampullectomy is a safe and feasible option for IAPN. It can be the first choice of treatment in selected cases where endoscopic papillectomy is not available.

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Intra-ampullary papillary tubular neoplasms (IAPNs) are unusual neoplasms capable of potential malignant progression.

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We report a rare case of IAPN which was treated through transduonal ampullectomy (TDA).

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TDA can be adopted as an alternative treatment approach to manage IAPNs with great efficacy and fair long-term results.

Surgical ampullectomy with resection of the common bile duct for biliary papillomatosis

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) or biliary papillomatosis is a precursor lesion of papillary cholangiocarcinoma.1 IPNB is recognized as a biliary counterpart of IPMN (pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm). IPNB is a rare disease involving entire (diffuse type) or one part (localized type) of biliary tree. Patients without distant metastasis are considered for surgical resection. For patients with distal bile duct papillomatosis, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is recommended for patients with invasive distal bile duct IPNB. PD is a high complex procedure associated with the deterioration of endocrine and exocrine functions leading to a significant impact on quality of life.2 Some authors have reported a new surgical approach leading to a complete resection of the common bile duct without pancreatectomy.3 METHODS: We report the case of a 71-year-old female presented to our department with jaundice. At endoscopic ultrasound with cholangioscopy and CT scan, 2-cm distal bile duct mass tumor with villous component was seen. All needle biopsies were benign, and no distant disease was found. According to the risk of degeneration of this tumor, a surgical resection was decided.

RESULTS

Intraoperative frozen section assessed the benignity of peripancreatic lymph nodes. We performed surgical ampullectomy with resection of the common bile duct. The intrapancreatic common bile duct was completely mobilized between the ampullectomy area and the upper edge of the pancreas. Frozen sections on distal and proximal margins of common bile duct were performed to discard malignancy. Finally, reconstruction consisted on the main pancreatic duct reimplantation to the duodenum and choledochoduodenostomy. The histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of biliary papillomatosis with low-grade dysplasia.

CONCLUSION

This procedure allows complete resection of benign tumors with endobiliary extension and preserve intestinal continuity and pancreatic parenchyma.

Transduodenal ampullectomy for ampullary tumor

BACKGROUND

Transduodenal ampullectiomy (TDA) is a surgical local excision method that can be performed in patients with ampullary tumors, but it has not been widely used clinically. Recently, TDA is considered as a good alternative surgical technique in patients who are unable to perform the endoscopic ampullectomy (EA) or pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for various reasons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of TDA and the clinicopathological significance of pathologic findings in TDA.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 31 patients diagnosed as ampullary tumor and underwent TDA from March 2004 to December 2019 in a single center.

RESULTS

All 31 patients were planned to perform TDA, and 4 of them were converted to PPPD due to the marginal status results of frozen biopsy. Of the 31 patients, 19 were diagnosed with malignancy and 12 were diagnosed with benign. Of the 18 patients who were diagnosed as malignancy in final biopsy, only 9 patients (50%) were diagnosed with malignancy on the preoperative endoscopic biopsy. In 15 patients who underwent only TDA for malignancy, there was no recurrence during the follow-up period (mean: 51.1 months, range: 19-137).

CONCLUSIONS

In benign ampullary tumor, TDA is a choice of treatment for patients who are unsuitable for endoscopic ampullectomy. TDA may be considered as an alternative operation in highly selective patients with early ampullary cancer (Tis and T1). Further studies on consensus of TDA indication for ampullary tumor will be needed in the future.

Trans-duodenal ampullectomy for ampullary neoplasms: early and long-term outcomes in 36 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

Trans-duodenal ampullectomy (TDA) is a surgical option for the treatment of selected ampullary neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience with TDA for the treatment of ampullary neoplasms, focusing on indications, technical aspects, and short- and long-term outcomes.

METHODS

All TDAs for ampullary neoplasms performed between January 2010 and December 2018 at our institution were retrospectively evaluated. Patients had ampullary neoplasms with low-grade dysplasia or in situ carcinoma (Tis) not suitable for an endoscopic approach, ampullary carcinoma unfit for pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), or ampullary neuroendocrine G1-tumours.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients were included in the study: 9 (25.0%) with neoplasms with low-grade dysplasia, 4 (11.1%) with G1 neuroendocrine tumours and 23 (63.9%) with Tis or invasive carcinoma. Mean operative time was 252.5 min. Overall and severe (Clavien-Dindo > IIIa) morbidity rate was 44.4% and 13.9%, respectively. No 90-day mortality was observed. At follow-up, no deaths were observed and local recurrence rate was 11.1% for patients with ampullary adenomas with low-grade dysplasia. Among four patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms, only one developed recurrence (pulmonary). Tis, T1 and T2 lesions were found in 16 (69.6%), 2 (8.7%) and 5 (21.7%) patients, respectively: recurrence occurred in 3 patients with Tis lesions (one malignant), no patients with T1 neoplasms and 2 patients with T2 lesions (3 patients had a survival of > 3 years).

CONCLUSIONS

TDA is a feasible and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of ampullary adenomas with low-grade dysplasia when endoscopic approach is contraindicated or has failed. For lesions with evidence of malignancy, TDA seems to be an oncological safe procedure for Tis ampullary cancer and a good palliative procedure for patients unfit for PD. Moreover, TDA may be appropriate for the treatment of G1 ampullary neuroendocrine neoplasms. A large multicentre study of TDA for early ampullary cancers is needed.

Endoscopic Resection of Ampullary Tumours: Long-term Outcomes and Adverse Events

Background

The management of ampullary lesions has shifted from surgical approach to endoscopic resection. Previous reports were limited by small numbers of patients and short follow-up. The aim of this study is to describe short- and long-term outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing endoscopic ampullectomy.

Methods

Retrospective study of endoscopic ampullectomies performed at a tertiary center from January 1999 to October 2016. Information recorded includes patient demographics, clinical outcomes, lesion pathology, procedural events, adverse events and follow-up data.

Results

Overall, 103 patients underwent endoscopic resection of ampullary tumours (mean age 62.3 ± 14.3 years, 50.5% female, mean lesion size 20.9 mm; 94.9% adenomas, with a majority of lesions exhibiting low-grade dysplasia (72.7%). Complete endoscopic resection was achieved in 82.5% at initial procedure. Final complete endoscopic resection was achieved in all patients with benign pathology on follow-up procedures. Final pathology showed that 11% had previously undiagnosed invasive carcinoma. Delayed postprocedure bleeding occurred in 21.4%, all of which were managed successfully at endoscopy. Acute pancreatitis complicated 15.5% of procedures (mild in 93.8%). Perforation occurred in 5.8%, all treated conservatively except for one patient requiring surgery. Piecemeal resection was associated with significantly higher recurrence compared to en-bloc resection (54.3% versus 26.2%, respectively, P = 0.012). All recurrences were treated endoscopically.

Conclusion

Endoscopic ampullectomy appears both safe and effective in managing patients with ampullary tumours in experienced hands. Most adverse events can be managed conservatively. Many patients develop recurrence during long-term follow-up but can be managed endoscopically. Recurrence rates may be reduced by performing initial en-bloc resection.

Management of ampullary tumours in children: still a challenge

This study describes the case of the youngest patient ever reported with ampullary adenoma. The incidence of ampullary adenomas in childhood is unknown. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound are used in adults to assess and treat these lesions, although there are no instruments designed specifically for use in young children. A six-year-old girl was admitted for abdominal pain, vomiting, pruritus and weight loss. Abdominal ultrasound showed biliary tree (8mm) and pancreatic duct dilatation (4mm). Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and computed tomography confirmed these findings, and also showed displacement of the ampulla to the left upper quadrant. An upper endoscopy confirmed a large ampullary adenoma. A laparotomy was performed and a 5cm villous tumour arising from the ampulla was excised. The postoperative course was uneventful. The histology demonstrated adenoma of the ampulla (intestinal type) without low-grade dysplasia. all clinical and radiological parameters are normal at 20 months follow-up. We describe the case of the youngest patient ever reported with ampullary adenoma. Pancreaticoduodenectomy carries high morbidity and mortality rates, and therefore it should be avoided in absence of histologically proven malignancy. We believe that surgical ampullectomy is a safe and oncologically correct procedure until better endoscopic instruments for peadiatric use will be designed.

Transduodenal ampullectomy for ampullary tumors

Transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA) is indicated for large ampullary tumors, for presence of dysplasia on endoscopic biopsy, for poor surgical candidates for pancreaticoduodenectomy, and in cases not indicated for endoscopic ampullectomy. Retrospective review of data from 2009 to 2015 revealed 11 patients who underwent TDA. Magnetic resonance imaging cholangiopancreatography (MRI-MRCP), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan, side-viewing endoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) were used for investigating the patients as required. Preoperative biopsy was done in all. Out of the 11 patients, only one had recurrence. Two patients had adenocarcinoma and were treated with pancreaticoduodenectomy. TDA is a safe surgical procedure for treatment of well-selected benign ampullary pathologies. It is also a treatment option for the cases of ampullary adenomas not amenable to endoscopic resection.

Gangliocytic paraganglioma treated with ampullectomy, A case report

Background

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare, and typically benign neuroendocrine neoplasms usually found in the second portion of the duodenum. Though recurrence is rare, metastatic cases have been noted. A standardized treatment has not been determined. An endoscopic resection can be carried out, unless metastasis has been noted. We present the case of a patient who underwent an ampullectomy, with successful removal of the tumor, and no recurrence on follow-up.

Case summary

We present a case involving a 58-year-old gentleman, who presented with dysphagia, and ultimately diagnosed with a periampullary mass proven to be a gangliocytic paraganglioma. The tumor was resected in-toto via an ampullectomy. The patient had no recurrence after twenty-one months.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we present the case of an incidental gangliocytic paraganglioma occurring in the periampullary region of the patient. Ampullectomy was carried out and to date the patient has had no recurrence. Rarity of this tumor, along with treatment choice, makes it especially worthy of notability.

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Gangliocytic paraganglioma are rare neuroendocrine tumors.

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Gangliocytic paragangliomas are typically found within the duodenum.

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These tumors are commonly benign, but have malignant potential.

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There is no defined standard of treatment for gangliocytic paraganglioma.

Management of ampullary neoplasms: A tailored approach between endoscopy and surgery

Ampullary neoplasms, although rare, present distinctive clinical and pathological features from other neoplastic lesions of the periampullary region. No specific guidelines about their management are available, and they are often assimilated either to biliary tract or to pancreatic carcinomas. Due to their location, they tend to become symptomatic at an earlier stage compared to pancreatic malignancies. This behaviour results in a higher resectability rate at diagnosis. From a pathological point of view they arise in a zone of transition between two different epithelia, and, according to their origin, may be divided into pancreatobiliary or intestinal type. This classification has a substantial impact on prognosis. In most cases, pancreaticoduodenectomy represents the treatment of choice when there is an overt or highly suspicious malignant behaviour. The rate of potentially curative resection is as high as 90% and in high-volume centres an acceptable rate of complications is reported. In selected situations less invasive approaches, such as ampullectomy, have been advocated, although there are some concerns mainly because of a higher recurrence rate associated with limited resections for invasive carcinomas. Importantly, these methods have the drawback of not including an appropriate lymphadenectomy, while nodal involvement has been shown to be frequently present also in apparently low-risk carcinomas. Endoscopic ampullectomy is now the procedure of choice in case of low up to high-grade dysplasia providing a proper assessment of the T status by endoscopic ultrasound. In the present paper the evidence currently available is reviewed, with the aim of offering an updated framework for diagnosis and management of this specific type of disease.

Feasibility and safety of endoscopic cryoablation at the duodenal papilla: Porcine model

AIM: To assess the feasibility and safety of liquid nitrogen spray cryoablation at the duodenal papilla in a porcine model.

METHODS: This prospective study protocol was approved by the University of Florida Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Six pigs underwent liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy at the duodenal papilla. Freeze time of 20-s was applied per cycle (4 cycles/session). Survival animals (n = 4) were monitored for adverse events. Hemoglobin, white blood count, liver tests, and lipase were obtained at baseline and post-treatment. EGD was performed on day#7 to evaluate the papilla and for histology. All animals were euthanized and necropsy was performed at the end of the one-week survival period. Feasibility was defined as successful placement of the decompression tube in the duodenum, followed by delivery of spray cryotherapy to the duodenal papilla. Safety was determined by monitoring post-treatment blood tests and clinical course. Treatment effect was defined as endoscopic and histologic changes after cryotherapy. This was established by comparing endoscopic and histologic findings from mucosal biopsies prior to cryotherapy and on post-operative day (POD)#7. Full-thickness specimen was obtained post-mortem to assess depth of injury.

RESULTS: Spray cryotherapy was feasible and successfully performed in all 6/6 (100%) animals. Cryospray with liquid nitrogen (four 20-s freeze-thaw cycles) at the duodenal papilla resulted in white frost formation at and around the target region. The mean procedural time was 54.5 min (range 50-58 min). All six animals studied had stable blood pressure, heart rate, and pulse oximetry measurements during the procedure. There were no significant intra-procedural adverse events. There were no significant differences in hemoglobin, white cell count, liver tests or lipase from baseline to post-cryotherapy. Survival animals were monitored daily post-operatively without any clinical ill effects from the cryotherapy. There was no bleeding, infection, or perforation on necropsy. Endoscopic on POD#7 showed edema and ulceration at the duodenal papilla. On histology, there was loss of crypt architecture with moderate to severe necrosis and acute mixed inflammatory infiltration in each specimen following cryotherapy. The extent of cryogen-induced tissue necrosis (depth of injury) was limited to the mucosa on full-thickness specimen evaluation.

CONCLUSION: Endoscopic liquid nitrogen spray cryotherapy is feasible and safe for ablation at the duodenal papilla in a porcine model.

Tips and tricks in endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary tumors: single-center experience with large case series (with videos)

Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) has been recognized as a safe and reliable treatment for ampullary adenomas. In this article, we describe important tips and tricks in EP of ampullary tumors on the basis of our large case series outcome. Between May 1999 and April 2014, 115 patients underwent EP at Tokyo Medical University hospital. The mean tumor diameter was 16.2 (6-35) mm. The final pathological diagnoses were adenoma, cancer in adenoma, cancer, and hyperplasia in 85, 13, 10, and seven patients, respectively. "En bloc" or "piecemeal" EP was performed with a polypectomy snare forceps using "Endocut® mode". Prophylactic pancreatic duct stents were placed after EP. Consequently, a single treatment session was possible in 93 (80.9%) patients. Additional treatment was required in the remaining 22 (19.1%) patients. For these 22 patients, the postresection pathological diagnoses were adenoma in 15 patients and cancer in seven patients. Two patients with cancer and venous permeation required surgical operation. The final complete resection rate was 98.2%. Several complications observed included pancreatitis (10.4%), bleeding (18.2%), perforation (2.6%), cholangitis (1.7%), and papillary stenosis (4.3%). One patient died of procedure-related complications. In conclusion, endoscopic papillectomy showed a high technical success rate. However, possible complications and occasional fatal complications should be considered when using EP.

Diagnosis and management of ampullary adenoma: The expanding role of endoscopy

Ampullary adenoma is a pre-cancerous lesion arising from the duodenal papilla that is often asymptomatic. It is important to distinguish whether the adenoma is sporadic or arises in the setting of familial adenomatous polyposis as this has important implications with respect to management and surveillance. Multiple modalities are available for staging of these lesions to help guide the most appropriate therapy. Those that are used most commonly include computed tomography, endoscopic ultrasound, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. In recent years, endoscopy has become the primary modality for therapeutic management of the majority of ampullary adenomas. Surgery remains the standard curative procedure for confirmed or suspected adenocarcinoma. This review will provide the framework for the diagnosis and management of ampullary adenomas from the perspective of the practicing gastroenterologist.

A survey of ampullectomy practices

AIM: To investigate the endoscopic ampullectomy practices of expert biliary endoscopists.

METHODS: An anonymous survey was mailed to 79 expert biliary endoscopists to assess ampullectomy practices.

RESULTS: Forty six (58%) biliary endoscopists returned the questionnaire. Of these, 63% were in academia and in practice for an average of 16.4 years (± 8.6). Endoscopists performed an average of 1.1 (± 0.8) ampullectomies per month. Prior to ampullectomy, endoscopic ultrasound was “always” utilized by 67% of respondents vs“sometimes” in 31% of respondents. Empiric biliary sphincterotomy was not utilized uniformly, only 26% “always” and 37% “sometimes” performed it prior to resection. Fifty three percent reported “never” performing empiric pancreatic sphincterotomy prior to ampullectomy. Practitioners with high endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography volumes were the most likely to perform a pancreatic sphincterotomy (OR = 10.9; P = 0.09). Participants overwhelmingly favored “always” placing a prophylactic pancreatic stent, with 86% placing it after ampullectomy rather than prior to resection (23%). Argon plasma coagulation was the favored adjunct modality (83%) for removal of residual adenomatous tissue. Practitioners uniformly (100%) preferred follow-up examination to be within 6 mo post-ampullectomy.

CONCLUSION: Among biliary experts, there is less variation in ampullectomy practices than is reflected in the literature.

Endoscopic resection of an ampullary carcinoid presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A case report and review of the literature

Ampullary carcinoid is a rare tumor that can present with gastrointestinal bleeding, obstructive jaundice or pancreatitis. Some of these tumors are associated with Von Recklinghausen disease. The usual surgical options are a biliary-enteric anastomosis, Whipple procedure or rarely a local resection. The mean survival does not appear to be much different after a pancreaticoduodenectomy versus local surgical excision. We report a very rare case of a non-metastatic ampullary carcinoid causing upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which was managed by endoscopic ampullectomy.